31 Great Rhyming Books For Your Emerging Reader

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

I absolutely love this book about following your heart and being true to yourself. The added bonus of rhyming makes this book that much more special. This is one of the children’s books about being different that I was happy to read over and over.

Goodnight Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker

Little kids love construction vehicles. Is there a better way to start bedtime than a rhyming contraction book? I think not. This delightful bedtime story for 2-year-olds is the first in a series.

But not the Hippopotamus by Sandra Boynton

I don’t know what it is about this book that I absolutely loved reading with my kids. It is utterly ridiculous and completely wonderful. One of my oldest son’s first words was armadillo! It really is a perfect book for a 2-year-old.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

Rhyming? check. Letters? check. This book checks so many boxes with the added bonus that it is fun to read with your kids.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Wait and see what we have in store for you in September. We love Llama llama. He has so many lessons to teach in such a sweet way.

Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

There are so many things about this books that I adore. Bear’s friends are so wonderful and supportive of him and he is so sweet and gentle. This book also has wonderful vocabulary.

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

I cannot count the number of times I have read this book and it will never be enough. The imagination of the wonderful Chris Van Dusen never ceases to amaze me. This book is the one that started out love of this amazing author. If you have not read this, what are you waiting for?

Princess Bess Gets Dressed by Margery Cuyler

I am usually not the first person to jump at a princess book. But this one is different. Princess Bess takes her duties as a princess very seriously but, she has another side to her as well.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

This book is another classic in our house. Mouse proves that a little bit of brain is all you need when faced with a whole lot of muscle. We adore this rhyming wonder.

Rhyme Crime by Jon Burgerman

The rhymes in this book create simple humor that are not only funny but will give you child a chance to guess what the word thief will do next.

The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith

I cannot read through this book without cracking up. It is completely hilarious and makes zero sense. It has great rhymes, is repetitive and will keep your little one (or big one) paying attention and laughing along with you.

Stretchy McHandsome by Judy Schachner

We love our butterscotch kitty and so this book was a no brainer. Stretchy McHandsome finds his perfect girl with humor, love and rhyme. Who could ask for anything more.

The Circus Ship by Chris van Dusen

I know that this is the second Chris Van Susen book I included but, I could not choose just one. If you look below, you will see the rest of his rhyming wonders. This book about a sunken circus ship is not only funny but, it is heartwarming as well.

Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beatty

I love Iggy Peck and all his friends. They are smart, funny, and independent thinkers. Not only does this book put a spotlight on being yourself but, the rhymes and vocabulary are nothing short of spectacular.

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

The wonderful rhymes in this book tell the story of friendship in this book. When the witch loses her wand, hat and bow, she has to find them. Will there be room on the broom for all her new friends?

Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson and Helen Oxenbury

I wanted to include books that had some rhymes without the whole book rhyming. This book has the least amount of rhymes in the book but I wanted to include it because of how adorable it is.

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw

These sheep are driving and get stuck in the mud. The entire story does not rhyme but there are many rhyming words from the same word family. It is funny and perfect for a young reader. Everyone in my family can still recite every word of this one!

Shark in the Park by Phil Roxbee Cox

The Usborne Phonics Readers are some of my favorite books for developing phonological awareness. Fat cat, big pig and pup are all concerned that there is a shark in the pond at the park.

Are you looking for more books to help develop phonological awareness? You can check out our post here.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

These dust bunnies love to rhyme and are quite excellent at it- except for Bob. He cannot quite seems to get it right. Your child will love to giggle as Bob tries to rhyme. It will also give them a chance to recognize the odd bunny out. sheep

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

This book is one of my favorites of all time. There is something about the little girls in two straight lines that reminds me of my childhood. The rhythm and rhyme are perfect for any age.

Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg

This rhyming book follows all the classic nursery rhymes on their adventures. Tom Thumb, Three Bears and Mother Hubbard are all here in this delightful story.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

At 60 years old, this book is a classic that has withstood the test of time. The rhyme, rhythm and repetition in this book makes it so easy to remember and predict what is going to happen.

The silliness and the story make it enjoyable for parents to read.

Jamberry by Bruce Degen

A boy and a bear head out on an adventure to pick berries. The word play, rhyming and wonderful illustrations make this classic rhyming book a must for every early library.

If you are looking for more books for a first library, you can check out our post here.

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak

The set of books by Maurice Sendak was turned into a play called Really Rosie. You can find the music and sing along. Not only does this book rhyme but it teaches months of the year as well.

Fox in Sox by Dr. Seuss

Another book by Dr. Seuss, this is a book on tongue twisters that will leave you wondering what is a tweedle beetle and why are they battling? Bending brooms, Mr. Knox and chicks with bricks will leave you laughing every time.

Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky

My younger son never loved to listen to chapter books. But, he would listen to me read him poems for hours. We love this book of poetry and go back to it time and time again. Even now that he is in middle school, we will sometimes read a few poems together because they are so much fun.

I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris

This book has been requested by multiple children, multiple years as the book to read in class when I am the guest reader. Not only do my kids love it but, the kids in the class ask my kids if I can bring this book to read it. I absolutely love this book of poetry and this it is perfect from age 6-106.

Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein is the one who started it all, in my opinion. He paved the road for other poets to write poetry for children to enjoy. The drawing and the humor make this book a classic.